Please note that the Joan Du Plat Taylor Award will not be made in 2014. We hope to be able to reinstate the award in 2015.

Joan Du Plat Taylor (1906–1983) was one of the first maritime archaeologists. She campaigned to bring nautical archaeology into the academic fold and was instrumental in establishing the Council for Nautical Archaeologyand was founder editor of the International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (IJNA) from 1972-1980. She also recognised that amateurs could play an important role in archaeology and established systems to educate and encourage them. She was the first president of the Nautical Archaeology Society. She personally funded a grant to support publication of nautical archaeological research. Since her death, the award has continued to be given by the Nautical Archaeology Society as the Joan du Plat Taylor Award.

For a biography of Joan click here. Every year members of the Nautical Archaeology Society are invited to apply for the Joan du Plat Taylor Award. These awards are made annually with the object of encouraging survey, recording, research and publication in maritime archaeology. The awards are open to all members of the NAS, either as individuals or as a group.

Awards are designed to assist with specific costs incurred whilst undertaking research and can be made in support of UK or international projects. On completion of their work, the successful candidates must submit a 500 word report for publication in the Newsletter within six months of completion of the grant funded work. They will also be encouraged to publish full results in the NAS Newsletter, the IJNA or other appropriate forum.

Successful candidates who do not undertake the research within two years of receiving the award will be asked to return the money.

Candidates should be aware that the total annual sum available is no greater than £600, to be shared between successful applicants, not necessarily in equal amounts.

Applications should be laid out with the following headings:1. Name, address, telephone number and email address (if applicable) of applicant(s)2. Occupation of applicant(s)3. Short summary/ title of project4. Amount of grant requested including the total cost of project and other grants applied for or received.5. Indicate whether other NAS members are involved with the project and/ or how might the project benefit other members6. Outline details of applicant’s experience (including NAS training/ projects)7. Names and contact details of two referees (please include telephone number and/ or email address)8. Full description of project to be completed on a maximum of two additional sides of A4. This must include an outline of the objectives and importance of the project, details of any associatedorganisations, and a full break down of costs, including travel, equipment, photography, illustration etc. (Please note that the award is unlikely to cover subsistence costs)

Applications must be submitted to the Joan du Plat Taylor Award committee, C/O NAS, Fort Cumberland, Fort Cumberland Road, Eastney, Portsmouth, PO4 9LD by the 31st May each year. Applicants will receive notification of the decision within 6 weeks. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONDSIDERED AFTER THIS DATE.

Recent Joan du Plat Taylor Awards:

2013Brian Minehane: In situ preservation or raise for conservation: The future of the Elizabeth AustinRoderick Stead: Dating of the Butuan Boat Site, Mindanao, Philippines.

2010Duncan Harwood - An investigation into corrosion on the Holland 5 submarineFriends of Purton - Detailed geophysical survey of an intermediately section of Purton ships graveyard

About us

The NAS is dedicated to advancing education in nautical archaeology at all levels; to improving techniques in recording, preservation and reporting and to encouraging the participation of members of the public at all stages. The Nautical Archaeology Society is a non-government organisation formed to further interest in our under-water cultural heritage. We are a registered charity based in the United Kingdom, but with strong links to partner organisations around the world. We aim to preserve our archaeological heritage in the marine environment, by acting as a focus for coastal and marine archaeology. To do this we need to involve everyone- divers and non-divers, scientists, historians and anyone with an interest. Our underwater heritage is not renewable, and is at constant threat from natural and human agencies.

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